ROYAL AFTERNOON TEA
THE RUBENS AT THE PALACE
A REGAL RITUAL AT THE RUBENS
Celebrating British heritage with indulgence and flair
From Executive Pastry Chef Sarah Houghting and Afternoon Tea
Manager Kamal Kamal, our Royal Afternoon Tea is inspired by timeless British
tradition, infused with local, seasonal ingredients and a passion for sustainability
- a nod to the Royal Family’s own values.
Whether marking a special occasion or simply enjoying a refined pause in the day,
we invite you to savour this elegant experience, lovingly crafted and crowned
with creativity.
afternoon tea
Royal Afternoon Tea
70
Champagne Afternoon Tea
90
Vegan Champagne Afternoon Tea
90
Halal Sparkling Afternoon Tea
87
Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea
45
afternoon tea experiences
golden tips tea
500
Indulge in our Royal Afternoon Tea for two, paired with rare Ceylon Golden Tips
from Sri Lanka, served with white-glove ceremony and golden scales. Includes a
bottle of Lanson Champagne, sabred at your table (for two).
gourmet chef experience with sarah houghting
1,200
Join Chef Sarah Houghting for an interactive pastry masterclass, followed by
champagne and canapés, and a bespoke three-course dinner with wine, or a Royal
Afternoon Tea in the Palace Lounge (for two)
If you would like to find out more information or book one of these experiences,
please feel free to speak to a member of staff, or e-mail our dining reservations
team on dining@rubenshotel.com
Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal and Gluten-Free options are available.
If you have any special dietary restrictions or allergies,
please advise a member of the service team.
We kindly request 24-hours’ notice for the above options
and any other dietary restrictions or allergies.
Prices are all inclusive of VAT and a discretionary 15% service charge is applicable.
The Royal Tea Library by PMD
Exceptional Blends, Ethically Sourced, Artfully Paired
black tea
THE RUBENS TEA, ST JAMES ESTATE, UVA,
CEYLON
St James estate was founded by pioneer British
planters during the plantation raj in Ceylon. The
tea is hand-picked during the height of the Uva
“flavoury” season and uniquely crafted for The
Rubens at the Palace. The tea is strong and
aromatic with a strong bouquet of the classic
natural wintergreen flavour.
Perfectly paired with the Black Forest Choux.
THE ROYAL JUBILEE TEA BY LOVERS’ LEAP
TEA ESTATE, NUWARAELIYA, CEYLON
The estate takes its name from two lovers who
leapt to their fate. The late HRH Duke of
Edinburgh visited this estate on a Royal tour of
the island in 1954. The Duke planted a selection
of tea bushes during his visit. Lovers’ Leap tea
was the only tea served and drunk by those in
attendance at the state banquet dinners during
the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of 2012. The
flavours are bright, crisp and clean.
Perfectly paired with the Almond Loaf Cake
MATTAKELLE GOLDEN CURL
A fusion of Japanese and Sri Lanka flavour.
Grown on Mattakelle Tea estate on the western
slopes of Sri Lanka, the tea is harvested from a
Japanese tea bush known as Benifuki that was
gifted to the estate. The tea is harvested from
one leaf and a bud. It has a natural rosy aroma
with a jasmine floral flavour.
Perfectly paired with the Raspberry Crown.
SOUCHONG
A tea which flourishes at sea level and is gently
smoked over cinnamon wood, furnishing it with
a fragrant smoked note. The finish in this cup is
a whisper of spicy sweetness and splendour.
Perfectly paired with the Smoked Salmon &
Chive Cream Cheese Sandwich.
PLANTERS’ BREAKFAST
Strong and full bodied. Before English breakfast,
early tea planters enjoyed the full bodied
flavours of Planters’ Breakfast in Ceylon. The
perfect conditions for creating that rich full taste
are found in the Dimbula Valley. This is where
the award-winning Planters’ Breakfast is
handpicked.
Perfectly paired with the Barber’s Cheddar
Cheese & Plum Tomato Sandwich.
PLANTERS’ AFTERNOON
The traditional afternoon tea of cakes and
sandwiches is best taken with a bright and
fragrant tea. The award-winning afternoon tea is
handpicked on the rolling hills of Ceylon’s Uva
region. Ideal on its own or with a splash of milk.
Perfectly paired with the Plain Scones and
Lemon Curd.
PLANTERS’ EARL GREY
The most aristocratic of teas is infused with the
unmistakable aroma of bergamot. To balance the
citrus, you need a bold tea. The Earl Grey is
handpicked and infused with a drop of natural
bergamot oil.
Perfectly paired with the Cucumber & Dill
Crème Fraîche Sandwich.
PLANTERS’ MISTRESS
A light, golden tea scented with bergamot,
orange and lemon peel that leaves the palate
feeling refreshed with a fresh citrus flavour.
Perfectly paired with the Blueberry Tart.
PRINCE OF WALES BLEND
A tribute to Edward, Prince of Wales, who held
this distinguished title from 1911 to 1936. This
exclusive blend features a bold black tea,
carefully balanced with high-grown gunpowder
green tea. To enhance its unique character, the
blend is finished with a touch of dried cranberry,
adding a subtle sweetness and a hint of tartness.
Perfectly paired with the Raspberry Crown.
GREEN TEA
JASMINE GREEN
Delicate jasmine blossoms, meticulously layered
amidst tender green tea leaves, offering a
delightful aroma that transports you to a serene
garden in bloom. Sip slowly and savour the
harmonious balance of floral elegance and crisp
green notes, leaving a lingering sensation of
tranquillity and refreshment on your palate.
Perfectly paired with the Cucumber & Dill
Crème Fraîche Sandwich.
WHITE TEA
SILVER TIPS (Supplement £25)
Drinking Silver Tips is an indulgent experience.
Its clear infusion possesses a slight metallic
sheen on the surface. Silver Tips are carefully
nurtured in perfect microclimate conditions and
handpicked only at precise times. Selected from
a distinct cultivar, the tender buds undergo a
unique, handcrafted oxidisation process.
Perfectly paired with the Fruit Scones.
HERBAL TEA
ROOIBOS
Unique to the Western Cape of South Africa this
is a bright orange infusion that is rich in Vitamin
C, Iron & Magnesium.
Perfectly paired with the Almond Loaf Cake.
PEPPERMINT LEAVES
A cherished herbal tea that has been used for
centuries to aid digestion and leaves a fresh
minty tang.
Best enjoyed as an after meal drink palate
cleanser or as a digestive aid.
LEMONGRASS & GINGER
Aromatic and refreshing the fusion of fresh,
zesty lemongrass with spicy, sweet ginger
produces an uplifting herbal concoction.
Perfectly paired with the Chicken & Grain
Mustard Mayonnaise Sandwich.
APPLE CINNAMON
Artful blend of black tea, apple pieces, hibiscus,
marigold, liquorice and Ceylon cinnamon gives
your cuppa a fruity and spicy twist.
Perfectly paired with the Fruit Scones.
black tea
A GARDEN FAIRYTALE
A whimsical blend of black tea. The sweet allure
of apple and quince intertwines with the tangy
brightness of hibiscus and orange, creating a
harmonious symphony.
Perfectly paired with the Spiced Egg
Mayonnaise & Mustard Cress Sandwich.
RADIANT ROSE PEARL
An irresistible combination of high grown pekoe
tea with rose petals give a radiant, exhilarating
infusion. Radiant Rose has a perfumed nose,
which flourishes into a sweet and floral infusion.
A sophisticated tea, that can be enjoyed with or
without milk.
Perfectly paired with the Almond Loaf Cake.
VANILLA CHAI
A harmonious blend of rich flavours from the
spices; nutmeg, saffron and clove, together with
the aromas from the vanilla pods which infuse
the tea with a natural sweetness and creamy
finish.
Perfectly paired with the Black Forest Choux.
IMPERIAL CHOCOLATE
Rich, velvety notes of chocolate blend with a
robust black tea base, inviting you to savour this
perfect harmony.
Perfectly paired with the Black Forest Choux.
MANGO SUNSHINE
Low grown black tea from southern Sri Lanka
married with mango. A juicy flavourful cup of tea
that is ideal on its own or with pastries.
Perfectly paired with the Fruit Scones.
OOLONG TEA
MILK OOLONG - FORMOSA
Milk Oolongs are only found in Formosa (Taiwan)
and are made by handpicking the Jin Xuan tea
plant. Green in colour yet with a buttery, milk
flavour. Milk Oolong is an excellent introduction
to the world of Oolong tea. Created completely
by nature and skill of the tea maker.
Perfectly paired with the Blueberry Tart.
